Toronto police ID 16-year-old boy shot and killed inside Scarborough Tim Hortons

Allison Hurst has the details on a deadly shooting which police say took place inside of a Tim Hortons in Scarborough and the 16-year-old victim identified.

Toronto police have identified the teenage boy who was shot and killed inside a Tim Hortons in Scarborough on Thursday afternoon.

In a news release issued Friday, police said 16-year-old Kian Sam was shot in the area of Lawrence Avenue East and Bellamy Road North shortly after 4 p.m.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment but later died of his injuries.

Members of the Toronto Police Service’s homicide unit have taken carriage of the investigation.

Investigators previously said they were searching for a suspect who fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers.

Police did not release any description of a possible suspect but said they are in the process of speaking to witnesses.

Toronto police Insp. Errol Watson told reporters Thursday there were other people inside the fast-food restaurant at the time of the shooting.

An image of Sam has now been released.

Police say the teen’s death marks Toronto’s second homicide of 2026.

Coun. Paul Ainslie, Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood, expressed his condolences to Sam’s family after hearing of his death.

“On behalf of the City of Toronto, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Kian’s family, loved ones, friends, and our entire community as they grieve this devastating loss,” Ainslie said in a written statement.

Ainslie said the city is actively working with local authorities to support safety in the community and provide appropriate services to affected residents.

“As a City Councillor I remain committed to prevention, youth support, and community-based responses to violence, and will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to protect and support our communities,” Ainslie wrote, adding that the Scarborough-Guildwood community deserves justice, safety and healing.

Sam’s former schoolmates at Agincourt Collegiate said they were sad to hear about his death.

One schoolmate described him as a good basketball player who was nice and someone who spread kindness.

Sam participated in NBA player Chris Paul’s CP3 National Middle School Combine East Regional Event in Sept. 2022, and in a statement, the organization said it was deeply saddened by his death.

“During his time on the court with us, Kian showed a genuine love for basketball and brought tremendous effort and energy to the floor. Our thoughts are with Kian’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire Toronto basketball community. We extend our sincerest condolences and join all those mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon,” the statement read.

With files from CP24’s Bryann Aguilar